It's been rumoured without substance for almost 3 years (we ran our first story about it in February 2008) and it's been rumoured with plenty of substance (we've lost count of the leaks picturing it) since October last year.

But it's only now that the PlayStation phone has finally become a confirmed device - with its official name, the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play, enjoying its official unveiling over in Barcelona at MWC 2011.

It's kind of a big deal, so we thought it was only right to see what some of the tech industry's top names thought about the impact it could have on the mobile gaming market.....

Andrew Webber, tech reporter at BBC News:

“It’s about time the two companies made something of the fact that Sony PlayStation exists. It’s a good idea.”

Kevin Lynch, technology editor at The Daily Mirror:

“Not impressed by launch titles unfortunately, they don’t offer anything above and beyond the iPhone, but it does feel comfortable to use and really like the fact that using the keypad means you’re not obscuring the screen. That sets it apart from the iPhone."

Guy Cocker, editor at Gamespot:

“I like the device, I like the touch sensitive controllers. The graphics are good, but it’s all about the games. I want Wipeout.”

Luke Westaway, staff writer at Cnet.co.uk:

“The controls feel good, but still waiting on what games there will be. Metal Gear Solid from the PSOne would be great.”

Vlad Savov, associate editor at Engadget:

“I think with the PlayStation suite it gives it a reason to exist. Android by itself can’t provide the gaming, but this might just work Tekken 3, and Metal Gear Solid.”

Luke Peters, editor at T3 Magazine:

“I think it’s a tie up between two brands that have been a long time in the making. I’m impressed with the hardware, but worried about the frame rate. How will they make it different from the NGP? The PSOne game I most want is FIFA 94.”

Leila Makki, tech commentator:

“What I like is that it’s easy to use, but it needs to be faster. Not sure dedicated ‘something’ on a mobile phones works. They are supposed to be convergence devices.”

Rob Kerr, editor at OneMobileRing.com:

“Potential to be a good universal gaming device where you can play people on consoles on the same game with the handset, something that Microsoft have still yet to crack.”

So that's what the industry think, but what sort of splash do you guys think it will make? Give us your thoughts using the comments below.